(CND1a) Études Durkheimiennes: Engagements contemporain I

In recent decades, Durkheimian sociology and social theory have sparked new debates and controversies while informing research on a wide variety of contemporary social phenomena and events. Canadian sociology has contributed to this renewal in important ways in the French and English languages with major contributions on historical context, critical theorizing, and substantive analyses. Sessions organized by the Canadian Network of Durkheimian Studies/ Réseau canadien d'études durkheimienne (CNDS/RCED) consider a range of contributions including: substantive studies (e.g., religion, cultural analysis, social pathology, suicide), critical perspectives (e.g., decolonizing sociology), theoretical research, creative syntheses such as found in Fields and Fields' work on Durkheim and Du Bois in "Racecraft," and historical-contextual work. Presenters include internationally known scholars, graduate students at all levels, and Canadian academics. Tags: Culture, Religion, Théorie

Organizers: Ronjon Paul Datta, University of Windsor, Tara Milbrandt, University of Alberta, William Ramp, University of Lethbridge, Robin Willey, Concordia University; Chair: Tara Milbrandt, University of Alberta

Presentations

Hermanpreet Singh, University of Windsor

The Elementary Forms of the Symbolic Exchange of Care: From Durkheim to Baudrillard and Beyond

The decline of altruism, evident in anomic responses to crises in the Canadian healthcare system, seen in a radical Durkheimian way, reveals a weakening of the conscience collective, traditionally connecting individuals through shared norms, values, and beliefs. The commodification of care frames care practices as market transactions, emphasizing profit, efficiency, and individual responsibilization of personal risks. Yet, I contend modern societies covertly remain driven by symbolic forces of mutual social obligations predating capitalism in the form of symbolic exchange (gifts, altruism), that can problematize the hegemony of neoliberal cultural logic. The symbolic exchange of care argues for a re-imagining of care based on the fundamental societal need for non-economic social relations, interdependency, and moral obligations. These social conditions also facilitate the realization of core aspects of social democracy and social rights that can influence policy decision-making, cultural attitudes, and perceptions of justice and morality in Canada. The symbolic exchange of care framework critiques the commodification of care and encourages exploring contemporary practices and rituals that support social solidarity and help mend the conscience collective. 

Jean Louis Fabiani, Central European University (Vienna)

Making religions equal in dignity: Durkheim's anthropological endeavor

Over the past fifty years or so, Émile Durkheims work has been extensively revisited, not only for historiographical and scholarly reasons, and its potential rehabilitated. Erving Goffmans sociology of interaction rituals and Harold Garfinkels ethnomethodology explicitly follow in Durkheimian footsteps. Anne Rawlss great book has been the high point of this renewed interest ( Epistemology and Practice. Durkheim’s The Elementary Forms of Religious Life, 2004) : the author of The Elementary Forms of Religious is no longer the austere bearded man of the Third Republic, but the author of a decisive work on the question of modernity, as Bruno Karsentis new and stimulating reading of several of his books shows (see his recent La place de Dieu , 2023). Although Durkheim was entirely caught up in the republican ideology dominated by the "colonist" party, which aimed to civilize indigenous peoples while remaining silent about the extreme violence of the process (the sociologist merely lamented the "excesses of colonialism" without condemning its principle), he nonetheless outlined the possibility of a post-colonial anthropology that places all religions on an equal footing, making Australian totemism the matrix of all religious construction, and thus situating his work in a non-hierarchical perspective of distinction between peoples. This point has often been overlooked in favor of Durkheims epistemological project (aiming to produce a table of categories whose origin lies in the social process and not in the individual mind). In revisiting Durkheims analysis of religion, we take a fresh look at the question of the authors "secularism" and its contradictions, while at the same time seeking in the concept of effervescence the very principle of the establishment and reactivation of the social bond. Durkheim endeavors to think critically about modernity, through the concept of pathology, which seriously considers the unexpected consequences of the division of labor and the contradictions inherent in a world that has distanced itself from sacred functions, but does not provide itself with the means to make modernity sacred.

Sloan Pedersen, University of Toronto

Societal Shifts and Family Strains: A Durkheimian Analysis of the Sandwich Generation

In contemporary western society, a growing number of individuals find themselves part of a demographic known as the sandwich generation. Coined as such, this group encompasses individuals who bear the financial and emotional responsibilities of caring for both their children and aging parents, all while managing their professional commitments. Drawing on Emile Durkheim’s foundational sociological theories, specifically those of the division of labour, anomie, and social integration, this paper delves into the intricacies of the "sandwich generation" phenomenon and the evolving responsibilities it entails. By comprehensively analyzing the dynamics of this generation, the paper argues that the very creation of the sandwich generation is a direct outcome of the evolving division of labour. Durkheim’s concept of the division of labour, distinguishing between mechanical and organic solidarity, serves as a theoretical framework to scrutinize the developing family structures and caregiving responsibilities within the sandwich generation. While Durkheim emphasized the sustainability and social cohesion derived from organic solidarity, he also warned of the potential for anomie in societies with an extreme or inadequately regulated division of labour. The exploration of Durkheim’s concept of anomie becomes crucial in understanding the experiences of the sandwich generation as they navigate conflicting roles. Therefore, this paper investigates how juggling caregiving roles amid conflicting demands may lead to a breakdown of societal norms, especially as individuals grapple with the complexities of caring for aging parents and supporting their own children. Understanding anomie in this context is essential to unravel the psychological and social implications for individuals facing multifaceted challenges in contemporary society. Furthermore, this paper explores whether the sandwich generation embodies principles of mechanical or organic solidarity, providing insights into the nature of their experiences and challenges. Durkheim’s notion of social integration offers additional insights into how the sandwich generation experiences cohesion or disintegration in the face of demanding caregiving roles. Recognizing strong social integration as vital for societal well-being, the role of social integration thus becomes apparent in the context of the sandwich generation. To strengthen the theoretical foundations of this analysis, this paper connects Durkheim’s theories to contemporary challenges faced by the sandwich generation. The shift from extended to nuclear family structures is explored, emphasizing its impact on the evolving division of labour and revealing a critical dimension of the challenges faced by this generation. The emergence of the sandwich generation is intricately linked to changing familial expectations amid broader societal shifts. Additionally, the paper examines the impact of changing labour dynamics on individual well-being within the context of familial responsibilities. The demands placed on those simultaneously caring for aging parents and supporting their own children extend beyond practical challenges, delving into the psychological and emotional dimensions of these roles. The blurring of boundaries between family and professional spheres thus prompts a re-evaluation of traditional notions of success and fulfillment, inviting an exploration of how individuals derive meaning from their multifaceted roles. By embracing Durkheim’s enduring theories, this study not only gains theoretical insights into the sandwich generations experiences but also establishes a conceptual framework that resonates deeply with the intricate challenges faced by individuals navigating contemporary familial roles. The interplay of the changing division of labour, anomie, and social integration thus offers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges confronted by the sandwich generation, emphasizing the necessity for tailored societal support structures to address their unique circumstances.